St. Francis Church A New Christian Community for the Goodlettsville Area.

The Right Reverend John C. Bauerschmidt--Bishop of Tennessee

The Reverend Joseph B. Howard--Vicar

Order of Worship

St. Francis Church is a community dedicated to the

transformation of lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ for
the Kingdom of God.

The Third Sunday of Advent

Year B
A congregation of the Diocese of Tennessee and the world-wide Anglican Communion
A note for visitors: We’re thankful that you could join us for worship today, and we
pray God blesses you in your time here. The service is printed in your bulletin. If you
have any questions don’t hesitate to ask someone around you!

St. Francis Church we want to encourage families to worship together. In order to

be a community where all ages feel welcome, we provide coloring materials for children
to use during worship and seek to understand the specific gifts and challenges that
children bring. We encourage you, should you feel comfortable doing so, to sit toward
the front with your children, as little-ones are often more attentive if they can see what is
happening. After the second reading, children 6 years old and below are invited to take
part in children’s chapel.

We understand that there may be times when it is best to take advantage of child care,
and nursury is provided.

In Preparation for worship: We invite you to take a few moments before the service
begins to be still, and rest from the business of your lives. Take time to breathe deeply,
and reflect upon the past week, preparing yourself to come before God in worship.
When you’re ready, you might say the following prayer or one like it in preparation for
worship.

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and
of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of
heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled
affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; though Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

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 The Word of God
Processional: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Hymnal 56 (vs. 1-3)

Opening Acclamation:
All Standing

Celebrant: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People: His mercy endures for ever.

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Collect for Purity:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are
hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we
may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Trisagion Said (x3)

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are
sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11

All sit.

In the prophet’s vision, the people will rejoice because the Lord is renewing creation with
righteousness and the promise of salvation.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me
to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to
the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the
day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn
in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they
shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations
of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will
faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with
them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among
the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord
has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for
he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself
with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is
sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up
before all the nations.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.
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The Psalm of the day:
Remain seated

Psalm 126
In convertendo

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

4 The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.

5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.

6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.

7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Paul tells the disciples they should always rejoice in the Holy Spirit, and exhorts them to
lead holy lives and avoid all evil.

A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of
prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body
be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you
is faithful, and he will do this.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Children Come forward for prayer, and then depart for Children’s
Chapel
All stand.

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Alleluia Verse: Luke 3:4,6

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in
the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, and all flesh shall see
the salvation of God.’”

Repeat Alleluia: (see above)

Holy Gospel: John 1:6-8,19-28

John the Baptist is mistaken for the Messiah or one of the prophets, but he makes clear
that his role is to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to
the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came
to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and
Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but
confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He
said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who
are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of
the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They
asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the
prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you
do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his
sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ

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Sermon: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

The Nicene Creed

We

believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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The Prayers of the People

Leader: I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for our Bishop, John;
for this gathering; and for all ministers and people.

Pray for the Church.

Silence

Leader: I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-
being of all people.

Pray for justice and peace.

Silence

Leader: I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in
prison.

Pray for those in any need or trouble.

Silence

Leader: I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him.

Pray that they may find and be found by him.

Silence
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Leader: I ask your prayers for the departed.

Pray for those who have died.

Members of the congregation may ask the prayers or the thanksgivings of those present

I ask your prayers for ____________ .

I ask your thanksgiving for _____________ .

Silence

Leader: Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored

Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.

People: “O Lord Hear my prayer...” (See music on facing page)

Celebrant: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth:
Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession

Celebrant: Jesus said, “The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our
God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as
yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence.
Minister and People:

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our
Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the
Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

All stand

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Announcements

# The Holy Communion #

Offertory Music: O Come , Come Emmanuel instrumental

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offering of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the
celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us
heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great
triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his
appearing.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the
company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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The Sanctus: S-129

Please stand or kneel at this time, as best helps you to pray.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to
us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days
you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the
world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you.
In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of
death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had
given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is
my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he
took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink
this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for
many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of
me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father:

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to
you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be
the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy
Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring
us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting
heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all
creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is
yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed by thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

ON RECEIVING COMMUNION:

All baptized Christians who are in love and charity with their neighbors are welcome to
receive communion. If you do not wish to receive, you are invited to come forward for
a blessing—simply cross your arms over your chest to let the servers know that you will
not be receiving.

Additionally, we invite those who for some reason cannot or do not wish to recieve, to
partake of the unconsecrated bread (Antidoron) available at the back as you leave.

Prayers before receiving can be found on pages 337 (the Prayer of Humble Access)
and 834 in the Book of Common Prayer (the red books available under your chairs).

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Communion Hymn: Taize

Post-Communion Prayer

After Communion, the Celebrant says:

Let us Pray
The minister and people together, pray:
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Recessional: People look East Voices Found 34

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Celebrant says the dismissal
People: Thanks be to God.

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A Note on Today’s Readings
Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

Welcome to St. Francis Church. On this Third Sunday of Advent we are again focused on
John the Baptist. Today we hear more of John’s ministry and his response to questions
raised by his message. An important issue for many in the days of the early church was
the relationship between Jesus and John. In response to those who believed that John the
Baptist was the Messiah, the early Christians remembered John’s own words: “I am not
the Messiah. . . .I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of
the Lord’” (John 1:20, 23). And, “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the
Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him’” (John 3:28).

The first reading is one of Isaiah’s visions of the nature of the reign of God when the
Messiah comes. It will be a new life marked by eternal life, by peace between people and all
creatures, and by the permanence of God’s love.

The second reading is the conclusion of Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica. He
wrote this letter to encourage them to persevere in the Way as they waited for the return of
Jesus. Those early Christians had at first thought that the Lord’s return would come during
their lifetimes. After years of waiting some of them had become confused and afraid. Paul
assures them that the Lord will return but that their lives now are to reflect the nature of
God’s kingdom rather than to be spent in sitting back and awaiting the End.

The church’s Eucharist is a foretaste of that coming of Christ which is still ahead. In Word
and Sacrament, song and story, we encounter the reign of God in our midst and we reveal
that future joy to the world. Like John the Baptist, we are sent ahead of the One who is
coming, and our joy is to see God’s presence in the world increase.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing

Incorporated, New York.

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 Good News Daily
Volume VIII
(
December 14–20, 2008 Number 50
Sunday, December 14

Psalm 63 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body
longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (v.1 NIV)

O Lord, would that I earnestly seek you as the psalmist. If only I would daily acknowledge
my soul’s thirst for you and my body’s longing as in a dry and weary land!

I have seen you and beheld your power and glory in my life and the lives of my family and
friends. You have shown me, again and again, that your love is better than life. You deserve
nothing but unbridled praise!

But I’m ashamed, Lord, because I try to take back control of my life. I forget your provision
and falsely think it my own. And soon, Lord, my soul is no longer satisfied and my body
wearies.

Please, Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I might remember your loving kindness
even while I sleep. Let me realize that all of my nourishment is from your loving hands. As
truly as your right hand upholds me, may I sing in the shadow of your wings and may my
soul cling to you my God, my provider and my protector.

Isaiah 13:6-13; Hebrews 12:18-29; John 3:22-30

Monday, December 15

2 Peter 1:1-11 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness
through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (v.3)

Father, we are told in 2 Peter that you have already given us all we need for life and
godliness through our knowledge of you. This is in the past tense. It’s difficult for me to
grasp, given my present circumstances and constant struggles.

I heard that knowledge in the Scriptures means much more than intellectual awareness.
When the Bible mentions knowing, it often relates to the intimacy between a husband and
wife to create a new life. Can it be that my access to everything I need is affected by my
intimacy with you?

Lord, give me a hunger, an infatuation, a yearning to know you and be known by you. And
even though it will never equal your love for me, may my love for you “abound more and
more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that I may be able to discern what is best and
may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, billed with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of you” (Philippians 1:9-11).

Isaiah 8:16—9:1; Psalms 41, 52; Luke 22:39-53

Tuesday, December 16

Isaiah 9:1-7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will
reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice
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and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will
accomplish this. (v.7)

Heavenly Father, one feature of your character or nature that we can clearly see in the
Scriptures it is that of faithfulness. You are the original promise keeper and we give you
praise and honor. By your Word the universe was made and nothing spoken by you is for
naught.

Isaiah spoke for you to the nation of Judah as it faced the terrible consequences of
disobedience, distrust and apostasy. Even in the midst of their troubles, however you
spoke a word of hope: that those walking in darkness would see a great light; that dawn
would come into the land of the shadow of death.

Your church now lives in your life “and that life was the light of men” for to us a child
was born and a son given. May we boldly live into this truth with the certainty of your
presence, your power and your love.

We join in calling you Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince
of Peace; for Jesus now reigns on David’s throne with righteousness and justice, forever
and ever. Amen.

Psalm 45; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Luke 22:54-69

Wednesday, December 17

Mark 1:1-8 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people
of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the
Jordan River. (vv.4-5)

Dear Lord, the gospel of Mark has such a feeling of determination and purpose, as if to
underscore your motivations when bringing to an end the curse of rebellion. Here we do
not read words of origin, instead we see things take place in order to fulfill the words of the
prophets.

Why do I recoil at the word repentance, Lord? Is it because I treasure too highly those
things that satisfy my flesh at the cost of my relationship with you? Do I prefer the finer
things in life over the simple? Would I rather just talk about spiritual matters rather than
live into them?

You have come, Jesus, to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Please don’t just sprinkle me or
even quickly dip me into that pool. Please immerse me, drown my old man my flesh in
that living water of forgiveness and redemption. Take away my preferences and let me see
others as you see them. Empower me to let go of worthless idols so as not to forfeit the
grace intended for me (Jonah 2:8). Amen.

Isaiah 9:8-17; Psalm 119:49-72; 2 Peter 2:1-10a

Thursday, December 18

Psalm 50 Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of
the sun to the place where it sets. And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God
himself is judge. (vv.1, 6)
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O God, all of creation testifies to your power, your timelessness, and your infinite wisdom.
The psalm teaches that you effect the dawn and the dusk and that each takes place as a
deliberate act of grace.

Perhaps it is this very reliability that lulls me into thinking that the morning and the
evening are just natural; that seasons, the stars, and tides are all the result of random
events; that because of my optimism, rather than your faithfulness, “the sun will come out
tomorrow.” Please forgive my arrogance and my reliance on religious things, rather than
on you.

It is you, Lord, who made the heavens and rule them even to this day. Yet in the midst
of this indescribable majesty you call your children to yourself, those you chose before
creation to be holy and blameless in your sight (Ephesians 1:4).

I thank you, Father, that you have selected me to be adopted as your child. Let me live into
this reality today to proclaim your righteousness for I choose to put my trust in you. Amen.

Isaiah 9:18—10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Matthew 3:1-12

Friday, December 19

Matthew 11:2-15 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples
to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus
replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the
lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the
good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account
of me.” (vv.2-6)

There are times, Lord, when life’s busyness distracts me from you; when the constant
clamor and noise drowns out the gentle breeze of your word. Then, after a while, I begin
to feel awkward and alone and afraid. I may even call out to you, but like a child who has
wandered from a parent in a crowd, I can’t see or hear you anymore and terror seizes me.

Lord, I think your servant John felt like this at times too. I can imagine that when
expecting to be vindicated and witnessing the establishment of your kingdom instead
being unjustly imprisoned would cause even the strongest believer to doubt.

“Are you the one?” he honestly asked. Sometimes I wonder the same, particularly when
bombarded by the world and its skepticism and cynicism.

Don’t let me be just an idle spectator, Lord. Put me into the game and let me see the blind
receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead raised. Overcome the distractions
and distrust of this present age so that I never doubt again. Amen.

Isaiah 10:5-19; Psalms 40, 54; 2 Peter 2:17-22

Saturday, December 20

Psalm 55 But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. (v.16)

“Listen to my prayer, O God.” Dear Lord, I join with the psalmist in calling to you in
my distress and fear. Things are so hectic at this time of year, and so uncertain. I feel
compelled to do so many things I would rather not. And in the whirlwind I find my time
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with you being either shortened or diminished. I am distracted in prayer, prevented in
study, and asleep in meditation.

Please come to me, Holy Spirit, and confuse the enemy’s attempts to pull me away from
you. Help me to plan my day according to your desires, and not my own. Empower me to
use my time productively for your kingdom, and not to assuage my guilt, curry favor, or
act unjustly. May I end my day assured of your approval and hearing your voice whisper,
“Well done my good servant” (Luke 19:17).

Finally, Lord, let your serenity be so palpable that others would be open to hear of your
grace. Give me the will to share you with others and pray for those in need. Amen.

Isaiah 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9

by Mark Sholander
Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP

P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790

Announcements
December 3rd, 10th, 17th @ 6:30: Our Advent series this year is entitled “Three
directions of reconciliation: How understanding yourself as God’s beloved will radically
change your relationships” Join us for this series of reflections on what it means to be
reconciled to God, others and to help others become reconciled to God. (Children 7 and up
are invited to participate in the reflection and craft).

Please take post cards to give to friends and family, or posters to put up in your
neighborhood, as you leave.

Christmas Poinsettias: We will be ordering the Christmas Poinsettias soon. If you

would like to donate toward them in someone’s honor or memory, please tear off the
portion of your bulletin below and let us know. Suggested donation is $10.

December 21st: The Greening of the Church will take place after the 10:30 service.
Join us as we prepare for the Christmas season and enjoy fellowship and snacks together.

December 24th: Our Christmas Eve Service will take place at 5:00 pm.

January 6th: We will celebrate Epiphany with an evening service at 6:30 pm, after
which we will de-green the Church.

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 Bishop of Tennessee
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt

Vicar
The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

Mission Council
Ralph Eddy
Linda Palmer
Thom Chittom
Shelley Sircy
clerk: Nanci Frey

Accompanist
Anna Howard

Schedule of Ministry:
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard Reader: Adam Waltenbaugh
Acolyte/Crucifer: Adam Waltenbaugh Prayer Station: Linda Palmer
Oblationers: Chalicist: Shelley Sircy
To check the schedule online, visit:
http://stfrancis-tn.net and go to congregational resources-->schedule

To get in touch with Fr. Jody for any reason, you can reach him at 615-440-6492 or via email at frjody@stfrancis-tn.
net.
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St. Francis Church

Biblically minded. Mission driven.
812 Meadowlark Ln
PO Box 697
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Phone: 851-0790
http://stfrancis-tn.net

Cover Image: John the Baptist announcing the Messiah from Palatine Chapel of Palermo

Wood cuts from: Pitts Theological Library Digital Image Archive

Color images from: Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN, https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-search.pl

CCLI License No. 2334637 Oneliscence.net No. A-714717

Christmas Poinsettias:
If you would like to make a donation toward the purchase of the Christmas Poinsettias, please fill out the information below. If you
are donating with a check, please write “Christmas flowers” in the “for” area of the check. If you are using cash, simply fold this
paper over your donation before placing it in the offering plate.

Your Name:

Number of poinsettas (if you would like to take them after the Holidays):

Given in memoriam or in thanksgiving for: